QS Rank:

verified

405

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Universit della Svizzera italiana

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Baden-Warttemberg

Germany

The Master of Science in Software and Data Engineering (MSDE) is offered by the Faculty of Informatics at Università della Svizzera italiana. This 2-year, full-time, on-campus program focuses on managing the complexity of software and on collecting, storing, and processing large amounts of data to derive insights and support decision-making. Courses are taught by leading researchers from the Software Institute at the USI Faculty of Informatics. Please note: Until the academic year 2025/26, the program has been offered as the Master in Software and Data Engineering. From the academic year 2026/27, the program will be offered as the Master in Software Engineering with AI (MAISE).
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Total Tuition Fees

$16,000

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Duration

24 Months

Ranking

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#427

US World and News Report

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#405

QS World University Rankings

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Intake

Fall ( Sept - Nov )

Class Profile

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Class Size

25

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Average Age

28

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Average Work Experience

2 Years

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master in Software and Data Engineering program demonstrate strong career prospects, with a 100% employment rate one year after graduation, based on the 2024 USI Alumni Survey for the Class of 2023. Graduates secure employment quickly, averaging 0.9 months to find a job, and 57% are employed before or immediately after graduation. The average gross annual salary in Switzerland is CHF 73,000, with all graduates working within Switzerland, primarily in Ticino and other Swiss Cantons.
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Job Placement

100%

Prospective Job Roles

Software Engineer

Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Lead Software Engineer

Project Manager

Video Game Designer

UX Designer

Web Developer

IT Consultant

Systems Engineer

Data Engineer

Top recruiters

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Eligibility Criteria

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At least 3 years of bachelor degree.

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At least 24 months of full-time professional experience after graduation.

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Accepted fields include Computer Sciences, related disciplines.

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At least 3.25 / 4.0 undergraduate GPA is expected.

English Proficiency Tests

  • TOEFL

    85

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  • IELTS

    6.5

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  • Cambridge

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  • TOEIC

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Application Requirements

Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

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Application Fee: 100

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    Transcript

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    Resume

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    English Proficiency Test

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    Passport

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    Master SOP

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    Resume

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    IELTS

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    Class 12 Marksheets

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    Academic LOR

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    Class 10 Marksheets

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    Professional LOR

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    Lor Document

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    Other

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    General LOR

Application Deadlines

FinalRegularFinal Deadline
FallJun 29, 2026N/AApr 30, 2025
SpringN/AOct 31, 2025N/A

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees are paid at the beginning of each semester. Cost of living estimated for Lugano, Switzerland. Health insurance is estimated.
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Tuition Fees

$8,000 / year

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Overall Cost

$30,000 / year

FAQs

  • The program lasts two years and requires 120 ECTS credits.
  • The program is held at a modern campus in Lugano with small class sizes, a cosmopolitan environment, and strong student-faculty interaction. USI also boasts high graduate employment rates.
  • Yes. Applicants must provide an English language certificate at CEFR B2+ level (e.g., IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 85), unless their Bachelor's was fully in English, in which case appropriate documentation of the language of instruction is needed.
  • Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related fields, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS. Those from Universities of Applied Sciences may need to complete an additional 30–60 ECTS.
  • The curriculum blends theory and hands-on practice through real-world, project-based learning. Students develop collaboration, presentation, and problem-solving skills, often via public project presentations.
  • There are four modules: Software Engineering (36 ECTS), Data Engineering (18 ECTS), a combined module for project-based learning (18 ECTS), Electives (18 ECTS), and the Master’s thesis (36 ECTS).

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